How this calculator works
It calculates the volume of asphalt from your area and thickness, then converts to tons using a compacted hot-mix weight of about 145 lb per cubic foot.
Worked example — a 40 ft × 12 ft driveway at 3 inches:
480 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) = 120 cubic feet × 145 ÷ 2000 = 8.7 tons.
480 sq ft × (3 ÷ 12) = 120 cubic feet × 145 ÷ 2000 = 8.7 tons.
Compacted vs. loose
Asphalt is ordered by weight and compacts as it’s rolled. This estimate is for the finished compacted thickness — the standard way suppliers quote.
Frequently asked questions
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
A residential driveway is usually 2–3 inches of asphalt over a 4–8 inch gravel base.
How much does a ton of asphalt cover?
At 2 inches thick, one ton covers roughly 80 sq ft.